Integrated Studies BAnner Bearer Insights

Graduating from college is a memorable accomplishment that satisfies a life milestone for every UH student. For many of our students, graduation is “a first time ever” event for their families, while others continue a family tradition that has spanned generations. 

Our Integrated Studies graduates have persisted through incredible individual journeys. They are a resilient group! The flexibility of this major allows students to achieve the dream of completing a UH degree so that they can get started on the bright future laying ahead of them.

Each commencement ceremony, we select one of the top Integrated Studies GPA earners to represent all of our accomplished graduates by holding the ceremonial title of Banner Bearer. 

Please meet our special Banner Bearers through their Q&As below.

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Fall 2025 Banner Bearer: Kyle She

December 2025 graduate, B.S. in Integrated Studies

Please share a little about yourself and your background.

I grew up in Houston, Texas. I have one younger brother by four years. Both of my parents went to college just like I did. 

What drew you to apply to the University of Houston, and what caused you to select the Integrated Studies major?

The reputation of UH drew me to apply to it. I selected the Integrated Studies major after I found out that being a Biology major didn't suit me well. I was lucky it came out in 2023, two years after I started attending UH. 

How did any of the UH offices you worked with help you feel more confident and prepare you for your next chapter?

The Advising office helped me get a good plan of what I had completed and what I still needed to complete. They provided specific details on my progress throughout my enrollment of courses at UH.

Were there any professors, advisors, or other staff who made a lasting impact on you, and can you share how they supported you or influenced your journey?

A professor I liked was Dr. Qin. She was very sweet and understood me. Her Human Genetics class was very fun to attend, and I was able to absorb the material into my head. The class also helped me with my Mendelian Genetics class.

What are your plans after graduation?

To be honest, I am still thinking about what to do! 

What advice would you give future students who also want to graduate at the top of their class? What were the keys to your success?

I would tell them to plan out their time. Make sure they review more on material they do not understand, and to also seek help if needed. The keys to my success were a mixture of hard work and luck, but mostly hard work. 

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to add that where I ended up was unexpected. I thought that I would never be able to pass UH when I was struggling, but with the option of Integrated Studies becoming available in 2023, it has been a blessing for me.